Author: Zhu Yulong

After finishing the topic on electronic and electrical architecture, let’s take some time to talk about the changes in the electronic and electrical architecture within the new forces, starting with XPeng.

An interesting thing is that my colleagues in the company are currently interested in G9 and want to know the differences between this EEA3.0 and the existing P7 from the perspective of intelligence. Generally, this generation of architecture has already entered the central centralized electronic and electrical architecture, adopting a central supercomputer (C-DCU)+ regional control (Z-DCU) hardware architecture.

Zonal and central supercomputer

In Vector’s website, there is a report “The Road to the Development of Software-defined Cars: XPeng Automobile” that details some information about EE2.0 in 2021. The original plan was to import the EE3.0 supercomputing architecture between 2023 and 2025. The characteristics are multi-domain fusion and the innovation point of the on-board computer; the main goal is to achieve adaptive scenarios, interactive ecology, and edge computing, and import information security expansion functions.

Based on the existing information, XPeng’s central computing platform mainly includes two parts: the cockpit and communication. This is also similar to Tesla, focusing on building a strong performance supercomputer platform around intelligent and technological brains, and doing large-scale integration.

Core components include:

• Qualcomm’s latest 8155P processor, which uses 7nm manufacturing process and has an 8-core configuration.

• Renesas third-generation flagship MCU. After some research, it may be the high-configured core inside the third-generation RXv3 CPU kernel MCU.From the perspective of functionality configuration, this central supercomputer includes the original instrument display, central control, and co-driver information entertainment functions. Then, cross-domain integration is performed, including central gateway, external sound control, external light language control, atmosphere light control, and parking assistance light functions. In the communication function of this central supercomputer, the original EE2.0 architecture, as shown in Figure 3 below, has been added, including 2 channels of Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-T1, which are used to connect XPU4.x and 5G smart antennas, and 6 channels of 100Mbps Ethernet, of which 2 are used to connect the left and right LDCUs and RDCUs, one is for Ethernet diagnosis, and 4 channels are for CAN FD and CAN communication. The chassis CAN and private communication of LDCU and RDCU use CANFD, bodyCAN, and PT CAN, which uses high-speed CAN (500kbps) for compatibility.

Note: PT CAN mainly accommodates the previous BMS and compatible controllers, and I estimate that it will also be upgraded after continuous optimization until 2023.

Whereas the Zonal controllers connect the load of the vehicle electronics to the left and right domain controllers in accordance with the principle of nearby configuration, reducing the wire harness. The left and right domain control supports 100Base-T1 Ethernet communication, and other communication methods have already been discussed.

The main functions of vehicle body control are:

• Key functions
  Including remote key, Bluetooth key, WiFI emergency key and mechanical key.

• Tailgate control
  Including electric control tailgate, tailgate anti-pinch and foot-kick door.

• Vehicle body control
  Including hidden door handles, automatic expansion and contraction.

• TPMS, rain sensor and wiper control, and seat belt vibration.

• Charging
  Charging port cover, lock and gear selection (safety function), gun withdrawal and automatic closing after timeout.

• Automatic adjustment of headlight height

• Energy management
  Automatic prevention of 12V battery power loss.

• Thermal management
  Control of air conditioning outlet and driving system residual heat return.

From here, it can be seen that the two controllers realize cross-domain control of multiple original functional domains. XPeng’s software engineers also delve into embedded development and implement many functions that were previously done by suppliers in the left and right domain controllers.

Software Architecture# Small Xpeng’s SOA Hierarchy

Based on the above-mentioned software, Xpeng’s engineers actually developed software based on SOA, defining the whole vehicle software platform, basic software platform, and smart application platform layer by layer according to the differences in the use requirements of different types of software, so as to achieve fast development and iteration of intelligent functions such as automatic driving, intelligent voice control, and intelligent scenes.

• System Software Platform

Based on commercial code for partial customized development, it is frozen with the whole vehicle basic software platform and can be used for different vehicle models.

• Basic Software Platform

Multiple basic vehicle software functions have formed standard service interfaces and are frozen before vehicle mass production, which can be used for different vehicle models.

• Smart Application Platform

Functions such as automatic driving, intelligent voice control, and intelligent scenes can achieve rapid development and iteration.

In summary: from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, China will intensively import SOA software architecture and focus on supercomputing. This grandeur brings about great changes. My understanding is that the software level of various car companies will be compared, and different competitive advantages can be obtained under various scene functions. However, good or bad can be compared. At that time, it will no longer be the display of hardware level of the architecture, but the completeness of software.

This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.